tl;dr This is the best you can get for a park. From water sports to baseball to playgrounds to a stroll through historic formal gardens, this large park has it covered.
This park is just one of the many gems that the award winning Waukesha Park and Rec Department has to offer. Nestled along the Fox River and the city's wonderful river walk, this 35 acre park features a formal garden, an amphitheater, lighted and fenced baseball diamond, indoor rec center, event hall, large playground, a bubbling spring, restrooms, bike & boat rentals from High Roller Fun Rentals and tons of parking. On top of all of that, Fiesta Waukesha, Badgerland Water Ski Show, Old Car Club Car Show, Oktoberfest and other events are held here.
The eastern playground on a spring day is absolute heaven, as the playground is surrounded by lilacs. I've never experienced such a wonderful scent at a playground before, and you can tell it lifted the spirits of everyone around. The playground has a rubber playing surface, except for one area where there is a sandpit. The equipment shows some age, but is in great shape. The little kids side is pretty basic, but the big kids side is cool as the setup is a bit different. It's very long, and kids can go from one end to the other without stepping on the ground. A huge variety of slides, gliders, steps, rock walls, and more. Plus, there is a bathroom and drinking fountain right next to the playground!!!
There is a second playground on the western edge, near the Schuetze Rec Center. This playground also has a rubber playing surface, and is new as of 2015. It is an all accessible playground, and has a transportation theme. This playground is also unique as it is tailored towards little kids rather than big kids, which rarely ever happens.
The formal gardens date back to 1928, and features 18 annual flower beds, 6 colorful perennial areas and eleven fragrant rose beds. With 100s of tulips and daffodils, 1,000s of flowering annual plants, and over 150 roses in bloom and countless perennial this place is always beautiful are serene. Note, professional photoshoots require a permit!
There are so many more things to talk about here, but really, just go and see for yourself. It's a beautiful park. read more